ENTRAPMENT NEUROPATHIES

Entrapment Neuropathies are a range of disorders characterized by sensory and/or motor deficits due to nerve compression. Most often, these conditions occur at sites where nerves pass through a tight space (for example the Tarsal Tunnel or Carpal Tunnel, which are tight spaces containing multiple structures such as tendons, nerves and blood vessels). 

Many different pathologies can result in compression of these nerves. Examples include overuse injury (eg. jobs that involve vibratory machines), tumours that narrow the spaces where the nerves run and fractures.

Examples of Nerve Entrapment Neuropathies include:

1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
2. Greater Occipital Neuralgia
3. Piriformis Syndrome
4. Meralgia Parasthetica
5. Pudendal Nerve Entrapment
6. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome typically present with pain over the first thee and a half fingers on the palmar aspect. This pain is often described as numbness, tingling and electric-shock like. This pain is due to compression of the median nerve as it travels through the Carpal Tunnel. The carpal tunnel is a tight space in the wrist that contains tendons and the median nerve. Oftentimes, repetitive use results in inflammation of structures in the tunnel, causing compression of the median nerve. It is important to treat this condition early to prevent worsening.

Piriformis Syndrome
This condition resembles Sciatica. Pain radiates from the buttock into the feet. This condition can be caused by compression of the Sciatic Nerve as it exits from the pelvis into the legs. 

Meralgia Parasthetica
Patients with Meralgia Parasthetica present with pain over the outer aspect of the thigh. Like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, it is often described as numbness, tingling and electric-shock like. This pain is due to compression of the Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve. This is often seen in patients who overweight or who like to wear tight belts. It is important to treat this condition early to prevent worsening. 

How are these conditions treated?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution of entrapment neuropathies. The most important step is to recognize the problem and to identify and treat the cause that is perpetuating the pain. (for example, using splints to reduce wrist movements or injection of steroids to reduce inflammation).